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HM institutes jubilant over SC ruling on AICTE approval

Praveen K Singh - New Delhi

The Supreme Court in a fresh ruling has upheld the prerequisite of AICTE approval for technical institutes in the country. In its verdict in Bharthidasan University versus AICTE case, the SC delivered a verdict that universities across the country do not need prior approval of the All India Council for Technical Education to start any technical course or department.

Reacting to the ruling, CEO of FHRAI IHM, Kamal Sharma said, "With this verdict we are relieved now as we were under pressure to get approval from the AICTE to run hotel management institute."

AICTE established in 1945 by Government of India, has been set up as an Apex Advisory Body to conduct survey on facilities on technical education and to promote and develop technical education in the country. National policy of Education (1986) defines AICTE as the statutory authority for planning, formulation and maintenance of norms and standards, quality assurance through accreditation, funding in priority areas, monitoring and evaluation, maintaining parity of certification and awards and ensuring coordinated and integrated development and management of technical education in the country. Government of India - Ministry of Human Resource Development constituted a nationalised group to check into the responsibility of AICTE in the context of proliferation of technical institutions, maintenance of standards and other related matters.

According to sources in AICTE, till date, 169 institutions are found to be conducting courses in the field of technical education without obtaining AICTE approval. About 104 institutions are conducting technical education programmes in collaboration with foreign universities without AICTE approval. Out of these, around 18 hotel management institutes are without AICTE approval.